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	by Laraine Baker Crews are being assembled, venues are booked, buses are loaded, and tickets are being purchased. This arduous labor seems to be summers early ritual, as everyone hurries in a tedious manner to get ready for those infamous summer tours, and this year is no exception. Most of you have been waiting for this time of year for a while. You've been saving up, following the tour dates of your favorite musicians, and if you are hardcore about it, you've already got your rooms booked at the closest-to-venue hotels, for those out of town shows. Your whole summer might be revolving around one special show, or for some, many shows you've been eagerly awaiting to attend. Either way, it’s time to buddy up with your favorite concert friend, and prepare for an amazing summer. What you might be pondering right now is who it is, exactly, that you are going to see. The buzz this summer, wont necessarily be falling on old legends, famous names or expensive tickets. This summer, it’s all about the amazing shows, no matter who’s playing them. There are a lot of up and comers, who have quite a lot to offer to all music lovers alike during these hot summer months. For instance, you may not have heard of Gavin Degraw, but he’s filling up venues all over America these days, with a style of music that mixes good old rock and roll, with classic soul music. He sings about scorned lovers, chemical parties, and does a pretty impressive cover of Marvin Gaye’s famed ‘let’s get it on’. As soon as Gavin opens his mouth, you won’t believe you eyes, as this shy, and somewhat dorky white boy, belts out soul that will give you goose bumps, while playing the piano that could rival Billy Joel any day of the week. While you’re checking out the new artists, might I suggest catching Matt Nathanson and Tristan Prettyman. These two performers with guitars will blow you away with their amazing stage presence and talent. While Nathanson likes to belt out his feelings, in a very blunt and humorous manor and sports a hip cello player by his side, Tristan keeps you guessing while you fall in love with her unique guitar rifts and solo act. If you’re looking for a safer bet to spend your money on, then next, I would recommend the always popular John Mayer and Maroon5. They are doing a co-headlining tour this summer that is sure to melt your sock off. Mayer’s hot blues riffs mixed with Maroon5’s titillating performance is expected to rival any hot tour this summer. There is also the option of Jason Mraz. This amazing performer is known for his shows of perfection, and in the next couple of months, he will be fine tuning the art of touring, as he sets off on a solo tour; just him, a guitar, and beautiful music. This show is sure to delight any and all in the audience, and this southerner charms the living daylights out of you, while filling your mind with words of thought provoking wisdom far beyond his years. So you are saying to yourself, that you would be more interested in seeing an old favorite, or a show that will leave you breathless. It just so happens, that the Dave Matthews Band has announced tour dates for this summer, along with a very generous openers list. Artists such as Guster, O.A.R., Jason Mraz, N.E.R.D, and more have all signed up to join this eclectic band on the road. If this seems to be your cup of tea, then I’m sure you will be interested in knowing that Phish will be doing a short thirteen show run through the country, filling up the months of June and August with plenty of great jam music for all. These artists are just a few of the shows you should check out this summer. Be sure to check your local listings for more details on when these artists and bands are passing through a town near you. So, let your summer be filled with fun, relaxation, and most importantly, great music. Happy listening! Site to go to for more information: www.Gavindegraw.com www.TristanPrettyman.com www.MattNathanson.com www.Davematthewsband.com www.johnmayer.com www.maroon5.com



		Mel Taylor If you're not sure which shows you will be attending this summer, you still have time to decide. Countless memorable concerts have taken place in the summertime. The summer music season begins as early as May, and could smuggle its way into the late month of September. School ends soon, which means all the time in the troposphere to see the most coveted acts. Numerous artists and bands have taken serious advantage of this opportunity and amplify their tours all across the nation. After all, it is a necessity to see at least one great show in the musical spectrum this summer. It begins with the universally known Woodstock of '69 festival. Almost half a million acid-tripping music lovers and hippies were there to see the largest music festival in history. With the Vietnam War going on then, Woodstock acted as a secluded island, far away from belligerent destinations. Paramour-like activity was a dynamic. The festival became a four-day show, with an almost continuous amount of music. At least one person knew whom folk artist Melanie Safka was (you know- the one who sang the "Beautiful People" song), but we all know everyone and anyone were there to catch the surprising psychedelic sounds of Jimi Hendrix. The price of tickets cost an inadequate six dollars. Woodstock became a philosophic value and inspired musicians everywhere. Those who were fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of Woodstock of '69 are probably the only ones who will ever see a music experience quite as immense. While music festivals today are a far cry from Woodstock, there are still plenty of phenomenal shows to catch every summer. Many up and coming artists have the chance to emphasize their talent in the decalescent heat of the summer. This year, Taking Back Sunday, the Sounds and the Alkaline Trio along with a vast amount of other punk/alternative-rock bands, will be performing on the Vans Warped Tour. The Warped tour will celebrate its ten-year anniversary, and with affordable tickets and promoting once-in-a-lifetime chances to interact with the bands, Warped is anticipated to be one of the greatest shows of the season. The Projekt Revolution tour will be featuring Linkin Park, KoRn, the Used and Snoop Dogg. It will not be the first time Linkin Park has pulled off an impressive tour; selling out venues and touring with top-named bands are only the start of it. Even if you're not a fan of Linkin Park, you can at least appreciate their fortitude for inviting Snoop Dogg. The Prince of Darkness will be doing it again in this year's Ozzfest. Acts such as Slayer, Dimmu Dorgu, and Ozzy himself are taking the main stage. On the second stage this year will feature Slipknot and Hatebreed among other metal-thrash bands. While right now it seems Ozzfest will dominate every other festival this year, Lollapalooza has a good chance with acts such as Morrissey and former Lollapalooza artists Sonic Youth performing. Last year Lollapalooza received poor reviews and was left torn in a scintilla by Ozzfest. Being freshly congregated to the festival scene is San Fran-based band BRMC, who are beginning to get tremendous airplay and touring across the nation right now. The band has recently left their label Sony and will be performing on this year's lineup of Lollapalooza. The String Cheese Incident will also be performing on the Lollapalooza lineup, along with this year's Bonnaroo music festival. The Bonnaroo takes place in Manchester, Tennessee in early June. This year's lineup includes the Dead, Dave Matthews and friends, Primus, Maroon 5, along with many other folk and indie acts. The Bonnaroo will have its third annual display of talent this summer. For all that are not doting for the festival scene, there are plenty of others to catch, while you can still gain some much-needed shut-eye. So-cal based bands No Doubt and Blink-182 have joined forces and will be performing a short-lived tour throughout June. No Doubt has also released a singles collection, featuring the cover hit of Talk Talk's "It's my life". That other so-cal based band, Incubus has decided once again to take a four-month long tour throughout America. Right now they are currently touring in Europe, and are about release their new single, "TV Show on Mute" in America. If you're able to catch a show, you will experience Mike Einziger's Neptunian-like guitar shreds, and the bestial-like screams from teenage girls admiring Brandon Boyd's chest, that is, if he takes his shirt off. Canadian native Alanis Morissette will be on the long, meandering road of tourism this summer. It is prominent she will join the Barenaked Ladies for a two-month tour, and although it's been awhile, hardcore Alanis fans will be grateful for this tour. These festivals and shows will embolden a thousand summers into the future. Many concerts transpire outside, and straight into the nocturnal hours. Many of us take exceedingly long road trips to see a show, but many of us don't seem to mind with the promising shows ahead. We feel the need to suffice our quench for music. At the end of it all, it's not about the ticket sales. It's not about which show is the best. It's about the music.


by Amy Burford Summer is a time for tans, flip-flops and awesome concerts. Yes, that’s right kids, it is time to get sweaty and sing along with your favorite artists. This summer brings along some outstanding concerts such as Coachella Music Festival, Jammin on Jersey and the always incredible Bonnaroo. These festivals create an eclectic mix such as The Cure, Dave Matthews and REO Speedwagon. Events like this usually last three days which is a music lover’s utopia, but not always a possibility. If you want to catch a great concert but do not have three days to do so, I have a suggestion. O.A.R , Matt Nathanson and Howie Day will be collaborating this summer for a short tour. If you enjoy acoustic guitars, raw vocals and laughing your ass off, I recommend you attend this. Jam sessions and twenty minute songs just happen to be a few treats you will experience when you see O.A.R. If you’re simply up for a good time and letting go, then it’s time for O.A.R. Their upbeat songs that include plenty of instrumental really gets the blood flowing and creates an exciting atmosphere. Along with all of that, you can catch a few poetry rhyme sessions. Want to sing your heart out? Go ahead! One trademark of an O.A.R concert is extreme audience participation. The feel-good music makes this show worth checking out. Matt Nathanson steals your heart away with his 80s sing alongs, passionate performing and personal crowd interaction. He walks onstage with a huge, innocent smile on his face and somehow charms the audience with his vulgar jokes. He spills out his soul before he plays his songs just so you can relate a little bit more. Matt puts everything into every single note of every song and it shows. If he is not singing an amazing song he’s making your face hurt from laughter. His hilarious commentary during shows creates a real connection with the audience. Matt’s shows are more fun then you would ever expect and will only leave you wanting more. Anyone who has seen The Madrigals DVD would know why a Howie Day show is positively delicious. This time around on the tour, he brings a band along. Not to mention the other guitarist is Les Hall, from the Verve, who really adds some edge to the songs. Howie’s passion and abstract lyrics make him absolutely captivating. The boy gives a new meaning to stage presence. He makes screaming pleasant and is well known for his pedal effects that add intense depth to the acoustic guitar sound. Howie blurts out goofy banter as if he was thinking out loud, but it is always a riot. You will feel lucky to have seen such a concert after you leave. All three of these acts together seem too good to be true. Let’s hope not. If you get the chance to see this concert, jump on it. All of the dates are being scheduled and have not been announced except for one show in August. The dates will be posted at any of the artist’s websites over the next few weeks, so just keep an eye open and don’t miss this chance.